Why Mexico's Population Surpasses Peru, Despite the Inca Empire’s Larger Size

The geography and historical context of both Mexico and Peru play a significant role in shaping their current demographic landscapes. While the Inca Empire, with a population that was double that of the Aztec Empire, did not fully align with the contemporary borders of Peru, several factors contribute to Mexico's higher current population.

Geographical Influence on Population

One of the primary reasons for Mexico's higher population is its larger land area. Mexico occupies an area that is almost 1.5 times the size of Peru. This vast expanse provides more land for habitation and development, leading to a denser population. Peru, on the other hand, faces challenges due to its significant areas of uninhabitable terrain, which are starkly influenced by its complex topography.

Topographical Challenges in Peru

Peru's rugged and varied landscape poses substantial challenges for population distribution. The country features 37 peaks over 6000 meters above sea level (asl), with the highest point being Huascaran at 6,768 meters. In stark contrast, the highest peak in Mexico is Pico de Orizaba at 5,636 meters. These elevations create areas that are too high and remote for sustainable habitation, contributing to Peru's lower population density.

Uninhabitable Terrain and Amazon Jungle

A significant portion of eastern Peru is covered by the Amazon jungle, which constitutes about 60% of the country's total area. The terrain is largely impenetrable and unsuitable for building infrastructure, making these areas inaccessible to large populations. Similarly, much of Mexico is not covered by such dense jungle, allowing for more widespread habitation and development.

Historical Context and Empire Comparison

The borders of the Inca Empire do not precisely correspond to contemporary Peru. The Inca Empire was vast and had a larger population than that of the Aztec Empire. However, the Aztec Empire was centered around modern-day Mexico City and enveloped a larger area than contemporary Mexico, suggesting that the indigenous population distribution in these regions was significantly different from their current states.

It is a common misconception that each country only had one tribe. The Aztecs were based in the Valley of Mexico, but there were numerous other indigenous tribes like the Mayans. The Incas, centered in Cuzco, expanded their empire through military conquest, incorporating various tribes. Mexico, being a much larger country with a richer indigenous history, always had a significantly larger indigenous population. This historical factor continues to influence modern demographics.

Understanding these historical and geographical factors helps us appreciate why Mexico's current population surpasses that of Peru, despite the Inca Empire having a larger historical footprint. The complex interplay of geography and historical context dictates the population distribution in both countries.